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A LOCAL clergyman who ran a solo marathon has raised more than £4,000 to carry out repairs to two churches and a Castlederg youth hall.
Reverend Peter Ferguson, Church of Ireland Minister in Castlederg, completed a solo marathon around his parish on Friday past.
Rev Ferguson ran 26.2 miles from the Rectory around the parish, and was supported by parishioners social distancing throughout the route.
The marathon was a great success, and he raised over £4,215 which will be used to fund parish projects.
Speaking following the event, Rev Ferguson said, “It was perfect running conditions and I had great support along the whole route with people coming out in their gardens and along the roadside so it was great.
“I have overwhelmed with the response on the Justgiving page.
“I thought initially that I might raise around £1,000 but we are over £4,000 at the minute and it is still going up.”
In Killeter Parish, the funds will be used to restore the church, while in the Derg Parish, there has been ongoing maintenance works and the parish has a long term vision of seeing our youth hall upgraded.
Rev Ferguson said, “We are hoping to do a restoration of the church in Killeter which we are hoping to start very soon.
“In the Castlederg parish, we have a long term vision to upgrade the youth hall which is used by the countless community groups, and is used almost every day and night.
“These are very worthwhile projects,” concluded Reverend Ferguson.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit, https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dergtermonamonganparishes.
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